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Abstract:

A method of operating a cooking zone (2) of a cooking appliance (1). The
method includes determining an actual temperature value representative of
an actual temperature of an item (6) to be heated; determining a power
level (I) set on a user control device (3); and calculating a rectified
power level (II) based on the actual temperature value, the actual power
level (I) and a preset setpoint temperature. The rectified power level
(II) is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature
value and setpoint temperature and the rectified power level (II) is
indicated on a user display (9, 4).

Claims:

1. Method of operating a cooking zone (2) of a cooking appliance (1),
comprising determining an actual temperature value representative of an
actual temperature of an item (6) to be heated; determining a power level
(I) set on a user control device (3); calculating a rectified power level
(II) based on the actual temperature value, the power level (I) and a
preset setpoint temperature, wherein the rectified power level (II) is
configured to remove differences between the actual temperature value and
setpoint temperature; and optionally indicating the rectified power level
(II) on a user interface (9).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein determining the actual
temperature comprises at least one of directly measuring the temperature
of the item (6) to be heated via a temperature probe (7), and measuring
at least one of a secondary temperature of cookware (5) containing the
item (6) to be heated and a secondary temperature of the cooking zone
(2), and calculating the actual temperature from the at least one
measured secondary temperature.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein determining the actual power
level (I) comprises detecting an operating position, in particular
rotational position, of a power control device (3) configured to control
the power level of the cooking zone (2).

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein calculating the rectified power
level (II) comprises calculating a rectified operational position, in
particular rectified rotational position, of a/the power control device
(3) configured to control the power level of the cooking zone (2).

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein indicating the rectified power
level (II) comprises showing the rectified power level (II) on user
interface (9) implemented at a/the control device (3) configured to
control the power level of the cooking zone (2).

6. Method according to claim 5 wherein indicating the rectified power
level (II) comprises showing the rectified operational position (II) of
a/the control device (3) on a user interface (9) implemented at the
control device (3) configured to control the power level to the cooking
zone (2).

7. Method according to claim 5, wherein indicating the rectified power
level (II) comprises showing a direction of operation (11) required for
transferring the control device (3) to a position corresponding to the
rectified power level (II).

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein indicating the rectified power
level (II) comprises highlighting an actual control device position
indicator (9) according to a predefined modality, wherein the
highlighting modality preferably is configured to represent a direction
of actuation required for transferring the control device (3) to the
rectified power level (II) or rectified operational position.

10. Method according to claim 1, wherein the rectified power level (II),
in particular rectified operational position, is automatically set by a
controller (8) of the cooking appliance (1), in particular cooking zone
(2).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the controller (8) is
configured to issue a user validation request, preferably on the user
interface (4), and to set the rectified power level (II) only upon
receiving a positive user validation signal.

12. Control unit adapted to control the operation of a cooking zone (2)
of a cooking appliance (1), wherein the control unit comprises a
controller (8) configured to execute a method according to claim 1.

13. Cooking appliance (1), comprising at least one cooking zone (2), a
user control device (3, 4), a control unit and a user visual interface
(4, 9), wherein a controller (8) of the control unit is connected to at
least the user control interface (3, 4) and user visual interface (4, 9)
and configured such that it can execute a method according to claim 1.

14. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 13, comprising at least one
temperature probe (7) configured for at least one of measuring an actual
temperature of an item (6) to be heated within a cookware and/or on a
cooking surface (5) placed on the cooking zone (2) of the cooking
appliance (1), and configured for measuring a temperature of the cookware
and/or cooking surface or of the item (6) placed on the cooking zone (2),
wherein the controller (8) is connected to the at least one temperature
probe (7) for receiving actual temperature values used for calculating
the rectified power level (II).

15. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 13, further comprising an
encoder configured for measuring or determining a power level (I), in
particular a control position or turning position, of a/the control
device (3), wherein the controller (8) is connected to the encoder for
receiving actual power levels (I) of the control device (3) used for
calculating the rectified power level (II).

Description:

[0001] The present application is directed to a method of operating a
cooking appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, to a control
unit and to a cooking appliance.

[0002] Cooking appliances are known in many configurations and variants.
In most cases, control elements for cooking zones of the cooking
appliance are implemented as taps or actuators configured for setting the
power or, in case of gas hobs, the gas level for the gas hob.

[0003] Setting adequate power levels in some cases requires considerable
experience, in particular with respect to avoiding burnt or over-heated
food and the like. In this respect, it would be desirable to make it
easier for a user to set adequate and reasonable power levels, in
particular gas flow rates in case of gas hobs.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method of
operating a cooking appliance, in particular a gas hob of a gas cooking
appliance such as a gas stove, a respective control device and a cooking
appliance, respectively, facilitating operation and handling, in
particular facilitating setting adequate and reasonable power levels, in
particular gas flow rates or gas levels.

[0005] This object in particular is obtained by claims 1, 12 and 13.
Preferred embodiments in particular result from respective dependent
claims.

[0006] According to claim 1, a method of operating a cooking zone of a
cooking appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, in particular a
gas hob of a gas stove, is provided, comprising:

[0007] determining an
actual temperature value representative of an actual temperature of an
item, such as for example food, water, oil and the like, to be heated;

[0008] determining a power level set on a user control device, such as
for example a tap, actuator, button, knob or slider, or touch-sensitive
element;

[0009] calculating a rectified, in particular corrected or
adjusted, power level based on the actual temperature value, the power
level and a preset setpoint temperature, wherein the rectified power
level is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature
value and setpoint temperature; and

[0010] optionally indicating the
rectified power level on a user interface, in particular a display
device; and

[0011] further optionally setting the power level in
correspondence or according to the calculated rectified power level.

[0012] In calculating the rectified power level, and optionally showing
the same on a user interface, and further optionally setting the power
level to the calculated rectified power level, the user can be assisted
in selecting adequate power levels, in particular during ongoing
operation of the gas hob.

[0013] As mentioned above, the item to be heated can be a food item, water
or oil and the like used for and in connection with cooking.

[0014] The item to be heated can also be cookware placed on the gas hob,
wherein the temperature of the cookware may be used to indirectly
calculate the temperature of food, water, oil and other items placed in
the cookware. The cookware may be a pan or pot.

[0015] The power level of a gas hob of a gas stove for example may be
represented by a flame level of a gas burner of the gas hob. Similar
indicators for the power levels of other types of cooking zones may be
used.

[0016] According to the proposed method, the power level is a parameter
that can be set on a user control device. The user control device may be
a button, knob or slider type control element, in particular a rotary
type control element as commonly used in particular with gas hobs or
other types of controls and actuators.

[0017] Calculating the rectified power level is proposed to be carried out
by using at least the actual temperature of the item of interest, the
actual power level and a setpoint temperature. The actual temperature may
for example be measured by temperature probes or sensors, and the actual
power level may for example be provided by the user control device or a
respective controller, or determined by using suitable encoders.

[0018] The setpoint temperature shall be understood to represent a
temperature to which the item of interest shall be heated and/or a
temperature at which the item of interest shall be held during a cooking
process, and/or a temperature the item of interest shall be adhered to
during cooking. The setpoint temperature therefore may be a target
temperature for the item to be heated.

[0019] Calculating the rectified power level may comprise raising the
actual power level, in particular by a predefined amount, if the actual
temperature is below the setpoint temperature. The setpoint temperature
may be understood to comprise a single temperature value, but also may be
understood to comprise a temperature range or band with an upper and
lower limit and preferably a centered average temperature. In case of a
temperature band, the actual power level is raised in case that the
actual temperature falls below the lower limit. In case that the actual
temperature is above the setpoint temperature, calculating the rectified
power level comprises lowering the actual power level, for example m by a
preset amount. In cases in which there is no difference between the
actual temperature and setpoint temperature the rectified power level
equals the actual power level. In case of a temperature band, the term
"no difference" shall mean, that the actual temperature lies within the
temperature band, i.e. neither lies above the upper limit nor lies below
the lower power limit.

[0020] As can be seen, the rectified power level is calculated in such a
way that differences between the actual temperature and the setpoint
temperature are decreased or even removed. The option of indicating the
rectified power level to the user helps him to adjust the power level and
therefore heat applied to the items to be heated or cooked. In this way
too high temperatures, leading to burnt or overheated food, but also too
low temperatures, leading to a slower or not enough heated cooking
process, may be avoided.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method, determining the actual temperature
comprises at least one of

[0022] directly measuring the temperature of
the item to be heated via a temperature probe, and

[0023] measuring at
least one of a secondary temperature of cookware containing the item to
be heated and a secondary temperature of the cooking zone, in particular
cooking surface of the cooking zone, and calculating the actual
temperature from the at least one measured secondary temperature.

[0024] Using a temperature probe may be advantageous for food items such
as a piece of meat or others. The alternative of indirect temperature
measurement may be used when temperature probe in contact with food is
not appreciated and/or easy to do.

[0025] In an embodiment of the method, determining the actual power level
comprises detecting an operating position, in particular rotational
position of a power control device, in particular a tap, knob, slider,
button, actuator, or any other type of control element, respectively
configured to control the power level, in case of gas hobs the gas
supply. This in particular may be used if the actual operating position
is not already available, for example in an electronic memory of a
control unit. This situation may be the case with most types of gas hobs
controlled via rotary type control knobs.

[0026] In a further embodiment, calculating the rectified power level
comprises calculating a rectified operational position, in particular
rectified rotational position of a power control device, in particular
tap and the like, which is configured to control the power level of, i.e.
energy supply, in particular gas supply to, the cooking appliance, in
particular a respective cooking zone. Similar to the description above,
the rectified power level is configured to remove differences between the
actual temperature value and setpoint temperature. In more details, if
the actual temperature is below the setpoint temperature, the rectified
power level will be or is calculated to be higher than the actual power
level, and if the actual temperature is above the setpoint temperature,
the rectified power level will be or is calculated to be lower than the
actual power level. Using the operational position may be helpful to a
user in setting an adequate power level.

[0027] In a yet further embodiment of the method, it is provided that
indicating the rectified power level comprises showing the rectified
power level on a user interface, in particular display, implemented in,
on or at the control device, in particular tap, knob and the like. The
control device in case of gas hobs may be a tap configured to control gas
supply to the gas hob. In showing or displaying the rectified power
level/s, improved user guidance can be obtained, in particular if the
cooking appliance comprises several control devices, such as taps and the
like. The user interface in, on or at the control device, which may in
particular be any of a button, knob, slider and so on, in particular may
be designed according to the outline and/or moving direction or modality
of the control device. In particular with circular rotatable type control
devices, such as taps or knobs, the user interface may be of circular
design. Other variants and designs may use bar- or bar-graph-shaped user
interfaces. Adjusting or adapting the user interface, in particular in
shape and form, to the type and design of the tap can improve visibility
and user guidance in setting the rectified power level.

[0028] In a variant, it may be provided, that indicating the rectified
power level comprises showing the rectified operational position on a
user interface implemented in, on or at the control device. The
difference to the above embodiment is that the operational position
corresponding to the rectified power level is showed or indicated. This
may simplify the setting of the rectified power level which of course
corresponds to the rectified operational position.

[0029] In a further variant, it is provided that indicating the rectified
power level comprises showing on the user interface a direction of
operation required for transferring the gas tap to a position
corresponding to the rectified power level. Clearly, this may simplify
setting the correct and adequate power level.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the method it is provided that
indicating the rectified power level comprises outputting an acoustical
signal. Providing an acoustical signal is advantageous for catching the
attention of the user. This is of particular advantage as the user of a
cooking appliance in general is not constantly monitoring respective
display elements or units.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method it is provided that indicating the
rectified power level comprises highlighting an actual control device
position indicator according to a predefined modality. The highlighting
modality preferably is configured to represent or to be indicative of a
direction of actuation required for moving or transferring the control
device, which in any embodiments may be a control device to be manually
operated by the user, to the adequate rectified power level or rectified
operational position.

[0032] As an example, highlighting the control device position indicator
in a first color, e.g. green color, may suggest reducing the power level,
for example by a counter clockwise rotation of the tap or knob.
Highlighting the tap position indicator in a second color, e.g. blue
color, may suggest increasing the power level, for example by a clockwise
rotation of the tap or knob. If no action is required, the tap position
indicator may be highlighted in a third color, e.g. red. If the tap or
knob is actuated as suggested, the control device position indicator may
be highlighted in a fourth color or simply non-highlighted. Setting or
reaching the suggested rectified power level may be confirmed by an
acoustical signal, in particular a beep sound and the like.

[0033] In an embodiment of the method it is proposed that the rectified
power level, in particular rectified operational position, is
automatically set by a controller of the cooking appliance, in particular
cooking zone. Such a possibility can clearly disburden the user or
operator of the cooking appliance.

[0034] In a variant, the controller is configured to issue a user
validation request, preferably on the user interface, and is further
configured to set the rectified power level, in particular rectified
operational position, only upon receiving a positive user validation
signal. A user validation request shall be understood as a type of
interrogation or query directed to the user. Implementing a user
validation request may be advantageous for avoiding absurd or inadequate
automated settings for the rectified power level or rectified operational
position.

[0035] As can be seen from the above, the proposed method and its
embodiments and variants are suitable for easing operation and handling
of a cooking appliance.

[0036] According to claim 12, a control unit or device is provided. The
control unit is configured to control the operation of a cooking zone, of
a cooking appliance. Further, the control device comprises a controller
configured for executing the method as proposed above, in particular
according to any embodiment and variant. As to advantages and
advantageous effects, reference is made to the description above.

[0037] According to claim 13 a cooking appliance, in particular gas
cooking appliance, is proposed. The cooking appliance, as well as the
appliances to which the method and control unit may be applied to, may be
of domestic type. The cooking appliance comprises at least one cooking
zone, such as for example a gas burner, a user control device or
interface, e.g. a gas tap, a control unit and a user visual interface,
such as a display and the like. A controller of the control unit is
connected to at least the user control device and visual user interface
and configured such that it can execute a method as proposed above, in
particular according to any embodiment and variant.

[0038] In an embodiment of the cooking appliance, at least one temperature
probe or sensor is provided which is configured for at least one of
measuring an actual temperature of an item to be heated within a cookware
and/or on cooking surface placed on the cooking zone of the cooking hob,
and configured for measuring a temperature of the cookware and/or on
cooking surface or of the item placed on the cooking zone. Here, direct
and/or indirect measurements or calculations of the temperature of the
item or substance to be heated can be implemented. Reference is made to
the description above, in particular related to temperature measurements.

[0039] Further, it is proposed that the controller is connected to the at
least one temperature probe or sensor for receiving actual temperature
values used for calculating the rectified power level. This means, that
the controller may receive and use the measured temperature values for
calculating the rectified power level.

[0040] In an embodiment of the cooking appliance, an encoder is provided
which is configured for measuring or determining a power level, in
particular a control position or turning position, of the control device.
The controller may be connected to the encoder for receiving actual power
levels of the gas tap. The actual power levels may be used by the
controller for calculating the rectified power level.

[0041] In all it becomes clear that the proposed method, control device
and cooking appliance are suitable for facilitating operation and
handling of cooking processes.

[0042] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in connection
with the annexed figures, in which

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cooking appliance; and

[0044] FIG. 2 shows details of a gas knob and integrated display;

[0045] The invention will now be described in connection with selected
embodiments of a cooking appliance, wherein the selected embodiments
shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cooking appliance 1.
The cooking appliance 1 in the present case comprises four cooking zones
2. The cooking appliance 1 further comprises a power control device 3 for
each of the four cooking zones 2. In the present case, the control
devices 3 are rotatable knobs adapted to set respective power levels of
the cooking zone. A rotation in one direction, e.g. in counter-clockwise
or in clockwise direction, will raise the power level, and therefore
cooking zone power or power level, and rotation in the other, i.e.
opposite, direction, e.g. in clockwise or in counter-clockwise direction
will decrease the power level, and therefore the cooking zone power or
power level.

[0047] The cooking appliance 1 further comprises a user interface element,
in particular a user display 4, which may be implemented as a
touch-sensitive user control interface.

[0048] As can be seen from FIG. 1, a pan 5 or pot is placed on one of the
cooking zones 2. The pot 5 is placed on cooking zone 2 for the purpose of
heating, in particular roasting, broiling or cooking a food item 6, such
as for example a piece of meat. In FIG. 1, a temperature probe 7 is
inserted into the food item 6, in particular to measure the core
temperature of the food item 6.

[0049] For ordinary operation, the user can select via the control device
3 a power level intended to be suitable for cooking the food item 6. With
the present example, a setpoint temperature, i.e. a temperature set by
the user via the user interface 4 or fixed in a cooking program
selectable by the user via the interface 4, is defined. The setpoint
temperature is the temperature level at which the core temperature of the
food item shall be kept throughout the whole cooking cycle.

[0050] Usually, the index on the power control device is representative of
the power level of the cooking zone and is not that correlated to the
core temperature of the food item 6. Therefore, it may in many cases be
difficult for a user to set a suitable and adequate power level, albeit
he knows the setpoint core temperature.

[0051] In order to remove the problem of adequately setting the optimal or
best possible power level for heating or cooking the food item 6, the
cooking appliance 1 comprises a control unit with a controller 8, which
is configured to execute a method of calculating a rectified power level
for the cooking zone 2.

[0052] The controller 8 in particular is adapted to calculate a rectified
power level based on

[0053] an actual temperature value of the food
item 6,

[0054] the power level of the cooking zone 2, and

[0055] a preset
setpoint temperature.

[0056] The actual temperature in the present case is measured by the
temperature probe 7 and transmitted and/or communicated to the controller
8, in particular via radio transmission and/or by wire. The actual power
level of the cooking zone 2 is determined by an encoder adapted to
measure the rotary position of the control device 3. The rotary position
in the present case corresponds to a power level of a cooking zone 2 of
the cooking appliance 1.

[0057] The rectified power level is configured to remove differences
between the actual temperature value and setpoint temperature, which
means that over-temperature or under-temperature of the food item 6 can
be counteracted in that the rectified power level is lower or higher than
respective actual power levels.

[0058] The controller 8 is further adapted to indicate the calculated
power level on a user visual interface 4. The indication may for example
be shown in the user visual interface 4. But it is also possible, that a
user visual interface implemented or integrated at or on the control
device 3 is used for indicating, or at least suggesting, the rectified
power level.

[0059] The user visual interface integrated at or on the control device 3,
i.e. a rotary knob, may for example comprise one or more radial user
visual interface bars 9. The user visual interface bars 9 may be arranged
such that in any rotary position of the control device 3 a user visual
interface bar 9 is aligned with a power level 10. In FIG. 2, for the sake
of simplicity, only two power levels, I and II, are indicated.

[0060] The user visual interface bar 9 in solid lines, directed to the
power level "I" corresponds to the current setting of the control device
3. In the present exemplary situation, the temperature probe or sensor
has measured an actual core temperature of the food item 6, which core
temperature is lower than the setpoint core temperature. Therefore, the
controller 8 has calculated or calculates a rectified power level which
in the present case corresponds to power level "II".

[0061] The rectified power level "II" of the present embodiment is
indicated by the dotted user visual interface bar 9 aligned to the power
level "II". The user visual interface bar 9 aligned to the rectified
power level "II" is highlighted, in particular illuminated, in order to
indicate to the user that power level "II" would be appropriate. If the
user then moves the control device 3 to power level "II", the user visual
interface bar 9 aligned with power level "II" will then be indicated as
the actual power level.

[0062] The whole process is continuously repeated during the entire
cooking process of the food item 6. Therefore, optimal and adequate power
settings can be provided over the whole cooking process. It shall be
noted that the rectified power level can be set automatically, either by
moving, i.e. rotating, the control device 3 by a suitable actuator, or
by, either directly or indirectly, operating a respective energy
controller without moving the control device 3, but indicating the actual
power level by a respective user visual interface bar 9 or other display.

[0064] If required, the additional information as to which direction the
user has to move the control device 3 in order to arrive at the rectified
power level can be indicated. Instead of using an arrow or other symbols
as shown in FIG. 2, the direction of movement may be color coded, which
means that raising, lowering or keeping the power level may be assigned
to or represented by different colors of respective user visual interface
bars 9, for example. In the example of FIG. 2, a direction of movement 11
for the control device 3 in order to obtain the rectified power level is
indicated by an arrow.

[0065] In addition to the visual indications of the rectified power level
as set out above and further above, it is possible that an acoustic
signal is outputted, in particular by the controller 8. The acoustic
signal may inform the user that adjustment of the power level is
available and required for optimal cooking.

[0066] Showing, in particular indicating, the rectified power level may be
implemented in any other way. In particular, instead of or additionally
to the use of user visual interface bars 9, it is possible to indicate
power levels and/or actual and/or setpoint temperature values in a bar
view, bargraph view and/or numeric displays on or at the control device 3
and/or on or at the user visual interface 4.

[0067] As can be seen, the present invention is suitable for facilitating
operation and handling of a cooking appliance. The invention in
particular is suitable for facilitating setting adequate and reasonable
power levels.